Job description Ironworker in the Cape Breton Region

Find out what work is like for an ironworker in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Ironworkers (NOC 72105).

Ironworkers

Description

Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. They are employed by construction ironwork contractors. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Ironworkers usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Ironworkers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
  • Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
  • Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
  • Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
  • Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
  • Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
  • Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
  • Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
  • Install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
  • Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects or non-compliance with specifications
  • May dismantle structures and equipment.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Standing
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Keeping or regaining balance

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Ironworkers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Construction ironwork contractors

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • High places
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Sound and noise
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Skin injury
  • Specialized safety equipment

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Close (at arm’s length)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72105), and a list of similar occupations:

  • ironworker
  • ironworker apprentice
  • ironworker - metal building systems erector
  • ornamental ironworker
  • reinforcing ironworker
  • structural steel erector

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Ironworkers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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